The Parish News DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019 · My confidence for home repair didn’t come from my...
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270 Woodbridge Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840 | 732.491.2300 | fpcweb.org | facebook.com/fpcmetuchen Inside This Issue Pastor’s Peace 2 Stewardship Comm. 2 Clerk’s Corner 2 Treasurer’s Two Cents 2 Update from Rev. Jusn 3 Karmann Lessons and Carols 4 Ringing Out Christmas 4 Christmas Pageant 4 Adult Chrisan Ed. 5 Children and Youth 6 Note of Thanks from 6 the Harmon Family Youth Group 7 Presbyterian Women 8 Poinsea Order Form 9 Advent Angel Tree 10 Community Dinner 10 Coat Drive 10 Comm. Nursery School 10 Indonesian Fellowship 10 Church Staff and 11 Officers Staying In Touch 12 The Parish News DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019 Sunday Morning Worship Starts at 9:30 AM “If you are not handsome, at least be handy.” Red Green said that. I have found this advice to be true words to live by. If something is broke, you try to fix it. If you need something, you build it. With the excepon of auto repair and furnace work, I have tried my hand at most things. These aempts to be handy were born of economics. Five children and living in an old house, the likelihood of hiring out work was low. Somemes I would find things I couldn’t do. Usually, this involved the word “line.” Sewer line, 220-line, gas line: Kathy always suggested we defer to a professional when the word “line” came up. The other rule in our house was born of safety. If there was any potenal of being blown up or losing a limb, I needed to buy a book about the tool or read the instrucons for the project twice. Hence, I have a book on table saws and I read the instrucons for the gas grill a number of mes. My confidence for home repair didn’t come from my childhood home. My father worked in communicaons for the department of defense. We had a handyman, a gar- dener, and a mechanic. In our home there were three tools: a hammer, a flat head screw- driver, and a pair of pliers. My mother kept them separate to lower the risk of what would happen were they to be combined. This changed, though, one summer. Spending a long visit with a grandfather, I watched him build a deck. He was an engineer. I was fascinated by how he drew out what he wanted, ordered the lumber, and then built it himself over the course of a week. All of sudden the world was what you made of it. Over the years I have built decks, roofed roofs, hung drywall, rewired rooms, and so on and so on. Each me it was an echo of that summer with my grandfather. If you need something, you build it. A number of years ago, I had another moment of revelaon. This me it was not about installing an appliance; this me it was about my faith. A decade ago, I found a deep restlessness within me. I knew what I believed; I was highly trained to be crical of my faith; I could describe the organic development of philosophy and theology that under-girded my faith, yet something was missing. The missing piece came clear to me in a queson: I believe, I understand my belief, but am I really able to live what I believe? I know what I want to do; I can see what I want to be; I understand what is the good, but can I live it? Looking back I can see how the Holy Spirit took this queson and began to slowly, methodically, intenonally changed my life. The work of the Spirit took many forms, but the persistent theme, the one that really saved me, was this: devote yourself to the teachings of Jesus. This is what you can do. The teachings of Jesus, what he said and what he did, are found primarily in the Mahew, Mark, and Luke. Connued on Page 2
Transcript of The Parish News DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019 · My confidence for home repair didn’t come from my...
270 Woodbridge Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840 | 732.491.2300 | fpcweb.org | facebook.com/fpcmetuchen
Inside This Issue
Pastor’s Peace 2 Stewardship Comm. 2 Clerk’s Corner 2 Treasurer’s Two Cents 2 Update from Rev. Justin 3 Karmann Lessons and Carols 4 Ringing Out Christmas 4 Christmas Pageant 4 Adult Christian Ed. 5 Children and Youth 6 Note of Thanks from 6 the Harmon Family Youth Group 7 Presbyterian Women 8 Poinsettia Order Form 9 Advent Angel Tree 10 Community Dinner 10 Coat Drive 10 Comm. Nursery School 10 Indonesian Fellowship 10 Church Staff and 11 Officers Staying In Touch 12
The Parish News DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
Sunday Morning Worship
Starts at 9:30 AM
“If you are not handsome, at least be handy.” Red Green said that. I have found this advice to be true words to live by. If something is broke, you try to fix it. If you need something, you build it. With the exception of auto repair and furnace work, I have tried my hand at most things. These attempts to be handy were born of economics. Five children and living in an old house, the likelihood of hiring out work was low. Sometimes I would find things I couldn’t do. Usually, this involved the word “line.” Sewer line, 220-line, gas line: Kathy always suggested we defer to a professional when the word “line” came up. The other rule in our house was born of safety. If there was any potential of being blown up or losing a limb, I needed to buy a book about the tool or read the instructions for the project twice. Hence, I have a book on table saws and I read the instructions for the gas grill a number of times. My confidence for home repair didn’t come from my childhood home. My father worked in communications for the department of defense. We had a handyman, a gar-dener, and a mechanic. In our home there were three tools: a hammer, a flat head screw-driver, and a pair of pliers. My mother kept them separate to lower the risk of what would happen were they to be combined. This changed, though, one summer. Spending a long visit with a grandfather, I watched him build a deck. He was an engineer. I was fascinated by how he drew out what he wanted, ordered the lumber, and then built it himself over the course of a week. All of sudden the world was what you made of it. Over the years I have built decks, roofed roofs, hung drywall, rewired rooms, and so on and so on. Each time it was an echo of that summer with my grandfather. If you need something, you build it. A number of years ago, I had another moment of revelation. This time it was not about installing an appliance; this time it was about my faith. A decade ago, I found a deep restlessness within me. I knew what I believed; I was highly trained to be critical of my faith; I could describe the organic development of philosophy and theology that under-girded my faith, yet something was missing. The missing piece came clear to me in a question: I believe, I understand my belief, but am I really able to live what I believe? I know what I want to do; I can see what I want to be; I understand what is the good, but can I live it? Looking back I can see how the Holy Spirit took this question and began to slowly, methodically, intentionally changed my life. The work of the Spirit took many forms, but the persistent theme, the one that really saved me, was this: devote yourself to the teachings of Jesus. This is what you can do. The teachings of Jesus, what he said and what he did, are found primarily in the Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Continued on Page 2
PASTOR’S PEACE Continuation
What if you learn these teachings and live these teachings? This was the direction of the Spirit. I have followed this direction for the last decade and it has made all the difference in the world. Where before, I sought to solve problems or form my perspective with ideas or doctrine or tradition. Now, l trust the power of what Jesus taught and lived to guide me through the challenges of the day. Each one of his teachings, each one of his acts, is a guide, an example, a habit to practice. This has proved a whole other way of living. Before, my faith was what I figured out or had come to see. Now, my faith is something to do, something to build, something to master. Like most skills it takes time and a lot of practice. I still consider myself a novice, a beginner. But such is what Jesus meant when he said to Nicodemus, “you must be born anew.” In December I would like to talk more about this. I would like to offer the first gathering in a series. Once a month, I want to consider with you how we can live these teachings together. Each month I will provide an essay before the gathering for you. The essay is to ponder ahead of time or read alone if you can’t make the gathering. Mostly I hope we can find the good news together that we too can find freedom as we follow Jesus. We can build our faith together. The first gathering will be Monday December 3rd at 7:00 P.M. in the Chapel. I hope to see you there. The Rev. Dr. Fred G. Garry
December 2018 / January 2019 Page 2
The heart of giving
We ask you in 2019 to keep our vision growing with your brothers and sisters in Christ here at First Pres-byterian Church. When you give you’re not only helping fund but you also partner with us in the important work that we do for our children and youth, those in need, our church family and our broader community! Three easy ways to make your financial pledge to the First Presbyterian Church : Online through fpcweb.org/stewardship Complete your Pledge card and put it in the
church offering plate, or Simply mail it to the church office. No matter which way you choose, it is important to make your giving plan today so we can begin to plan for next year’s ministries right away. As of November 24, we have received 116 pledges amounting to $ 334,592.
We are just halfway to our goal so we are counting on your support! Please pledge today!
Thank you for being a part of our mission!
1- The Board welcomed Rev. Garry as Moderator of Session. 2- Finance Commission reminded all Commission Chairs to submit their respective 2019 Operating Budgets. 3- The Fundraising Task Force solicited ideas from members of the Board for 2019 Fundraising events supporting the Operating Budget.
TREASURER’S TWO CENTS
The staff will be off and the office will be closed for Christmas on Tuesday, December 25 and Wednes-day, December 26 and for New Year’s Tuesday, January 1, 2019. The staff wishes the entire congre-gation a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Final donations to the church for 2018. Please take into consideration when mailing pledges that they have to arrive and can be deposited by December 31. If your donations arrive in the mail after Decem-ber 31st, it will be credited to 2019.
For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.
- Matthew 6:21
But when the kindness and love of God
our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of
righteous things we had done,
but because of his mercy. He saved us
through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he poured out on us generously through
Jesus Christ our Savior .
- Titus 3: 4-6
December 2018 / January 2019 Page 3
From Rev. Justin D. Karmann
In October’s issue of the Parish News, we updated you on the status of Roby Sanger and where we were at in his legal proceedings. To be honest, we haven’t been too optimistic about his case lately. The judges have held a moratorium on deportations since late February with minimal other proceedings. His Motion to Reopen had been denied by an Immigration Court and we transitioned to a pro bono legal team to offer an appeal. And then we waited…and waited.
But as in all things, God is good!
On November 14th, we received a phone call noting that Roby was going before the courts on a bail bond we anticipated would take place two weeks from then. For some reason, the dates were rearranged, and Roby went in without representation. After a quick call to his lawyers and many prayers, I feared the worst. “Roby couldn’t do much without lawyers”, I thought. And then I received another phone call that changed everything. His bail has been approved. I had to con-firm three times before believing it. What? Really? How? Okay! Then began the process of learning what it means to provide bail for someone being detained by Immigra-tion. The multiple trips up to the Federal building in Newark, the run-arounds with officials, the confusion, the uncertainty. In all of this, I was grateful for our staff and our congregation for their endless support and resolve to get Roby released. I also felt for all the oth-er families there who did not have the resources we do and were navigating the same process without law-yers, without mayors, and without a church behind them.
Thursday evening, November 15th, was truly an event-ful one, to say the least. As we headed up to Newark
to pick up Roby, a blizzard and grid-locked traffic tried
to stop us. But his daughters were undeterred. We ended up parking our car and walking nearly a mile in Newark to get to Roby and that first embrace of Roby and his daughters reminded me why we did all this. We fought and prayed and raised our voices because at the end of the day, Roby is a family man and he was returned to his family.
That Sunday was a benchmark in our church history. With tears in nearly all our eyes, our congregation welcomed Roby home. We celebrated, we laughed, and we cried. We all know this battle has been won, but victory is a long way off. We hope to achieve asy-lum not only for him, but for all our undocumented Indonesian congregants. As we continue to advocate for our brothers and sisters, I pray that we all remain on this journey. Continue praying, continue fundrais-ing, continue supporting. We, at the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen, care for the immigrant in our midst and our actions are a reflection of God’s king-dom to come.
Thank you for all you have done and for all we will continue to do together.
- Matthew 25:35, 40
Pastor Steven Rantung of the First Indonesian Church and Rev. Karmann are all smiles celebrating the release of Roby Sanger and Gunawan Liem.
Christmas came early for the Sangers with Roby happily reunited with his wife, Conny, and his daughters.
December 2018 / January 2019 Page 4
One of the most beautiful services of the year is our
Lessons and Carols Service. Please join us on Sunday,
December 16th at 9:30 a.m. and be a part of this worship
service. Our Senior Choir will be leading the service along
with Harpist Karen Stern. Also participating will be our
very own Good News Ringers. The Choirs will be under
the direction of Brenda Day, and Elaine Hansen will be
accompanying on the piano.
Happening this
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We need additional hands in areas of costumes,
props, lighting, stage crew, stage set-up (week of
12/17) and breakdown (on 12/24 immediately
after the service ends), and leaders to work with
lines/memorization and crowd control during
rehearsals and the night of the pageant. If you
have a special gift or interest in any of these
areas, please let us know ASAP – we need and
welcome your help!
REHEARSAL DATES
Sunday, December 2nd
, 10:45 am—12:00 pm
(no sheep)
Sunday, December 9th, 10:45 am—11:45 am
(all participants)
Friday, December 21nd
, 3:15 pm –5:00 pm
MANDATORY Dress Rehearsal for all
participants regardless of part
CURTAIN CALL FOR ALL PERFORMERS:
MONDAY 12/24 AT 4:00 pm
To volunteer your time or talent or for more information please contact:
Jennifer Edge
Nancy Leardi
(732) 491-2264
Brenda Day
(732) 491-2266
FPC METUCHEN
2018
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
December 24
Monday
5:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary
A Shepherd's Tale WRITTEN BY MAGGY COOK
Ringing Out Christmas
Sunday January 6 at 3:00 pm Social center auditorium
Here’s a treat from all our ringers! Our Joy, Chapel,
Good News, Concord and Covenant Ringers will be
giving a special performance under the direction of
Brenda Day and Elaine Hansen to ring out Christmas.
Bring your friends to this special concert!
December 2018 / January 2019 Page 5
A study for everyone!
GOD’S PROMISE
Janet Aspinwall will be leading the December study on “God With Us on Our Discouragement.” We will look at promises primarily in Deuteronomy, Joshua and Haggai. For the January study, Doris Gulotta will facilitate the discussion on “ God with Us When We Seek God.” During each of the “monthly” lessons we will take a journey through scripture with the hope that we can spur one another to experience the reality of God’s promises which speaks to us as individuals and as a community. A copy of the study will be provided to all who come, as well as light refreshments. Please text, call or email Deb Teall if you have questions: (908) 917-3990 or [email protected]
“Remember, I am with you always” Matthew 28:20
Our Seminarian Intern Emmie Arnold will be facilitating a conversation about a book that calls Christians back to the basics of the faith. In simple, yet beautifully complex and fresh ways, one of the greatest theologians and highly respected church leader Rowan Williams writes with clarity and eloquence what he considers to be the core parts of what it means to be Christian: Baptism, the Lord's Supper, Prayer, and the Bible. As we consider what it means to wait for the coming of the Lord, join Emmie for some time to focus on our God-given identities, purposes, and gifts. Feel free to come to as many or as few times as you can. The books are available for a $10 free will donation. Contact Nancy Leardi to order your copy.
Two Bucks, Chuck! MEN’S BREAKFAST
Calling all men! Come join Pastor Garry for breakfast, fellowship and interesting discussion.
Our topic will be Immigration, and we'll be hearing from a person or two with first-hand experience dealing with some of the challenges with our current system.
Rumor has it that Pastor Garry will be doing the cooking which promises to make this a fun and interesting way to start the week. We're hoping that this will be the first in a series of regularly scheduled gatherings. (Oh, and don't forget your $2 "cover" charge.)
Questions? Please email Pete Bellisano at [email protected]
Please join Pastor Garry for the first in a series of gatherings where the teachings of Jesus will be discussed. In these sessions we'll be learning about the power of what Jesus said and did, and how we have the opportunity to live these teachings together. These gatherings will be supplemented by essays from Pastor Garry, which will provide us with insights to ponder in advance of the sessions.
We look forward to seeing you in our first gathering.
Living the Teachings of Jesus
Monday, December 3rd at 7:00 pm
In the Chapel
December 2018 / January 2019 Page 6
A NOTE FROM:
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Consider these gift suggestions to encourage your child’s faith:
This kit adds up to hours of kid-captivating, parent-pleasing fun that launches kids off the couch and into adventures of creativity, caring, and serving others. And parents have fun, too! Let your whole family discover Jesus isn't just the reason for the season—he's a friend who loves you!
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE KIND? by Rana DiOrio A beautiful book with a beautiful message... shows young children how easy it is to be kind through small acts and in simple ways.
For kids 3 years and older SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16th
5 to 7 p.m. ,in the Education Bldg.
A fun babysitting event (and a fundraiser at the same time ) offered by our Presbyterian Young Women (PYW). The girls are planning a night of games, music, puppet shows, activities and MORE! Pizza and snacks will be served. Requested Donation: $10.00 for the 1st child, $5.00 for 2nd/3rd. Please sign up so PYW can plan for your child to be there. ANY other questions, please contact Nancy Leardi .
The Sunday School classes will celebrate our Savior’s birth! They will be treated to a puppet show, crafts, games and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus with their friends.
Sunday School
Christmas Celebration
December 23rd
It’s back!
ADVENT Candy Cane Tree
Mrs. Leardi’s colorful candy cane tree is ready for the season! Please stop by her office, recite the Lord’s Prayer and you can pick the candy cane you like! Recited Bible verses can earn you a prize as well!
December 23rd 10:30 am in the Church lawn
On December 23rd, the entire congregation and community are invited to attend a Live Nativity put together by our 2019 Confirmation class. There will be live animals, delicious Christmas desserts, and hymn singing. We look forward to seeing you all there immediately following worship on Sunday. Spread the word, invite your friends!
Note of Thanks On behalf of the entire Harmon family, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you that reached out to us to express your condo-lences on the passing of my dad, Art Harmon, last November 18th. The texts, emails, phone calls and cards meant so much to us and were deeply appreciated. The service for my dad was beautiful with the comforting words of Justin and my son, Joe, the beautiful music by Brenda and the participation of the Edison Fire Department. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the Presbyterian Women for their generosity, love and support shown to me and my family. Love, Sue Harmon
December 2018 / January 2019 Page 7
A big thank you to our Youth Sunday preachers Garrett Smith, Sarah Jeney, Liam Walker, and Abby Thompson who preached on November 11th. We could not be prouder of them! Our next Youth Sunday will take place on April 7, 2019.
FOOD PANTRY—PASTA KITCHEN
On Wednesday, December 19th, our Youth Group will once again serve a home-cooked meal to our Food Pantry families as they receive their Christmas baskets from the Food Pantry. If you would like to make lasagna, bread, or brownies for this event, please contact Rev. Karmann.
SKYLARK DINER FUNDRAISER— DECEMBER 6th! To thank Skylark Diner for their generous contributions every year to our Youth Mission trip, we will be hosting a fundraiser on December 6th between 11am -9pm. All you need to do is show this coupon at check-out and 20% of the cost of your meal will be donated to our 2019 Mission Trip. See you there!
COMING UP IN 2019:
CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER
Please consider joining us for dinner on Sunday, January 13th between 5pm-9pm at the Edison Menlo Park Mall-Chipotle location. 33% of all proceeds will go to our 2019 Youth Mission Trip.
SENIOR HIGH LOCK-IN
Mark your calendars: on January 20th-21st, the Sr. High Lock-In will be taking place. Further information will be announced.
THE 2019 FAMINE
The 2019 Famine will be taking place on February 22nd through 23rd and our Youth will begin fundraising at the beginning of February. Please consider donating financially as well combat food insecurity in our area.
PRESIDENT’S DAY YOUTH GROUP SKI TRIP:
This year, our annual ski trip will be to Greek Peak in upstate New York. We will leave on Saturday, Feb. 16th and return on Monday, Feb. 18th.
YOUTH GROUP every Wednesday !
5pm-6pm Jr. High in Christian Ed. Bldg. – Youth Room
6:00pm-6:30pm Combined Dinner ($3)
7pm-8:15 pm Sr. High in Christian Ed. Bldg. – Youth Room
DECEMBER 2018/ JANUARY 2019 Youth Calendar
December 6 Skylark Diner Fundraiser 19 Food Pantry—Pasta
January 2019 13 Chipotle Menlo Fundraiser 20/21 Senior High Lock-In
Please contact Rev. Karmann for any questions about the Youth Program:
December 2018 / January 2019 Page 8
Dec. 3, Mon. Esther Bible Study Circle
10:30 am We welcome new attendees.
Meeting at the PW Lounge
Dec. 5, Wed. PW Coordinating Team
7:00 pm Meeting at the PW Lounge
Dec. 12, Wed. PW Christmas Luncheon*
Noon An open invitation to all
Social Center Dining Room
2019 Jan. 9, Wed. PW Coordinating Team
7:00 pm Meeting at the PW Lounge
Jan. 7, Mon. Esther Bible Study Circle
10:30 am Meeting at the PW Lounge
Jan. 17, Thurs. Sewing Bees
10:00 am Meeting at the PW Lounge
Jan. 25, Fri. Craft Circle
10:00 am Meeting at the PW Lounge
Jan. 27, Sun. PW Annual Buffet Brunch
After Worship Social Center Dining Room
*PW CHRISTMAS COVERED DISH LUNCHEON
Wednesday Noon, Dec. 12
in the Social Center Dining Room
COME SING, COME EAT!!
All are welcome to join the Presbyterian Women for our annual Christmas Covered-Dish Luncheon.
Bring your favorite dish and sing along with our own Minister of Music, Brenda Day, as she musically leads us in the spirit of the season. Spend an hour with great food and music -- it will lift YOUR spirits for many hours after! We invite all who are coming to consider bringing mittens, hats and scarves for our Elizabethport Mitten Tree.
PW will provide beverages and dessert.
RSVP and call/text/send questions to Deb Teall,
(908) 917-3990 or email: [email protected]
PW ANNUAL BUFFET BRUNCH
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Save the date! Everyone’s invited!
Check the SonDay Paper for updates.
MOMS ON MONDAY is here for you, Mom! Give yourself a break—come join us!
We meet every 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at the PW Lounge Social Center, 9:30—11:15am.
Regardless what age your children are, you’re welcome to come. Breakfast is served at every meeting and childcare is provided. (Please just let us know ahead of time.)
If you have time to spare on these Mondays, we are also looking for help with
childcare to give our moms a break. Contact: Nancy Kipnis
Email: [email protected] or Call: (732) 661-9631
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
December 2018 / January 2019 Page 9
POINSETTIA ORDER FORM
Each Christmas our Sanctuary, Chapel and Narthex are decorated with red poinsettia
plants donated by members and friends of our congregation.
• Deadline for ordering is Monday, December 10th, so get a head start on your holiday
planning by ordering today.
• Make checks payable to the “First Presbyterian Church “. Bring any weekday or mail them to
the church office: P. O. Box 385, Metuchen, NJ 08840. We will accept cash, too!
• The names of those remembered and those who donated will be listed in the worship service
bulletins on Sunday, December 16th
and Christmas Eve.
• The plants may be taken home after the 11 p.m. service on Christmas Eve.
Our Deacons will take the remaining poinsettias to shut-ins and families who have lost a
loved one in recent months.
Your Name: ____________________________________________________________________
Phone No.: ____________________________________________________________________
For Bulletin Listings of Donors (please print)
Given by : ___________________________________________________________________________
In Memory of : ________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
In Honor of : ________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
In Gratitude : ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Number of plants @ $9.00 each _____ _____
Total Amount Enclosed $ ___________
Please [ x ] one of the following:
[ ] I will take my plant home after the 11 PM Christmas Eve Service.
[ ] Leave poinsettia for Deacons to deliver.
First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen
Since 1991 this active ministry has worshiped, celebrated, and served in many wonderful ways: WORSHIP SERVICES 9:30am Combined service the First Sunday of the month in English Noon Indonesian language Services held every 2nd and following Sundays, plus special services on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Day MUSIC Nazareth Choir FELLOWSHIP Saturday home fellowship meetings, and after Sunday worship service fellowship
December 2018 / January 2019 Page 10
Encounter scripture in new ways
Registration for the 2019/2020 school year begins on Wednesday, January 16th for returning families and First Presbyterian Church members. In addition, CNS will have an Open House Week and regis-tration for new families starting January 21st (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) from 9:00 am—Noon. We invite families to bring their children when touring or registering their children. For more information on Community Nursery School visit
www.communityns.org or call us at 732-491-2240.
All Are Welcome!
We’re setting a place at the table for you! Come join us for a free home-cooked dinner!
2nd Sunday of the Month, 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 9, 2018
2019
Jan. 13 * Feb. 10 * Mar. 10
First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen Social Center, Dining Room
270 Woodbridge Avenue Metuchen, NJ 08840
No reservations needed. Join us!
Be an angel for someone this Christmas! In keeping with the Christmas spirit we invite every-one to joyously share and bless the Elizabethport Presbyterian Center children and Highlands Care One Center and Roosevelt Care Center residents. This wonderful ministry and our gifts are always appreciated! It's easy to be an Angel! 1- Select an Advent Angel from the tree in the Narthex no later than December 16. 2– Purchase a gift for the person. The Advent Angels are color-coded and includes information about the destination of the gifts as well as gift suggestions and wrapping instructions. 3- The Angel will indicate whether or not the gift is to be wrapped. If the Angel indicates “unwrapped,” please place your gift in a gift bag. Attach the Advent Angel securely to the wrapped gift or gift bag. 4– Leave your gifts under the Advent Angel tree in the Narthex no later than 9:30a.m. on Sunday, Dec.16. The Deacons will deliver the gifts on that day for every-one to have in time for Christmas! Remember, your gift may be the only gift received by that child or senior resident! Thanks for sharing God's love this Christmas! Thanks for being an Angel!
ADVENT ANGEL TREE
Ongoing until Dec. 16
5th ANNUAL COAT DRIVE
From November 1 through December 12
In support of the 23rd Annual New Jersey Cares Coat Drive, the Mission Commission brings to FPC our 5th Annual Coat Drive. New or slightly used coats will be collected in the Narthex (entrance of the church) and the lobby of the Social Center and brought into the coat container in the parking lot of the Social Center until December 12, 2018. Following that we will be needing volunteers on December 15, Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to sort the coats. Over 400,000 coats have been collected, sorted and distributed to New Jersey residents during the past 22 coat drives. Last year FPC-Metuchen collected 1,795 coats ! Can we top that?
For more information on Jersey Cares Volunteer Opportunity Calendar, visit their website at
www.jerseycares.org
December 2018 / January 2019 Page 11
CHURCH STAFF First Presbyterian Church
Metuchen
(Effective November 13, 2018)
CLERGY
Rev. Dr. Fred Garry . . . . . . . . . . . . . .732-491-2330 Senior Pastor/Head of Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Rev. Justin Karmann . . . . . . . . . . . . .732-491-2260 Temporary Associate Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Rev. Herby Moningka, Indonesian Pulpit Supply
Rev. Robert A. Beringer, Pastor Emeritus
Emily Arnold — Student Minister
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Nancy Leardi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .732-491-2264 Director Christian Ed. . . . . . . [email protected]
MUSIC MINISTRY
Brenda Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .732-491-2266 Minister of Music . . . . . . [email protected] Elaine Hansen. . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Assistant Bell Director and Accompanist
SUPPORT STAFF
Sue Harmon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .732-491-2302 Director of Operations/Treasurer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Jonathan Hollenbeck . . . . . . . . . .732-491-2270 Facilities Manager . . [email protected]
Roger Donnan . . . . . . . . . . . . .732-491-2270 Asst. Facilities Mgr. . [email protected]
Vicky Lacson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 732-491-2303 Office Assistant. . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Nick Spadavecchia. . . . . . . . . . . . 732-491-2305 Communications Consultant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Merry Matlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 732-491-2301 Administrative Asst. . . . . . [email protected]
Sarah Teti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .732-491-2325 Food Pantry Coordinator. [email protected]
COMMUNITY NURSERY SCHOOL
Fran Brennan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .732-491-2242 Director/Treasurer . . . . . . [email protected]
Colleen Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 732-491-2242 Head Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Josephine Czochanski . . . . . . . . . . . .732-491-2242 Office Manager . . . . . . . [email protected]
UNICAMERAL BOARD Unicameral Board meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Fred Garry
Clerk of Session: Paul D. Gunsser
President Board of Trustees: Kevin Trolaro
Vice President & Secretary: Roland Staal
Class 2019
Bill Jeney
Dave Kozo
Diego Lijeron (Youth)
Nancy Mamesah
Jennifer Thompson
Colleen Walker
Emma Walters (Youth)
Christine Young
Class 2020
Linda Boughton
Jennifer Fong
Brenda Redshaw
Sandy Slobodien
Kevin Trolaro
Scott Walters
Class 2021
Sonia Bafna-McDougal
Mark Haulenbeek
James Lewis
Danni Newbury
Virginia Shaw
Roland Staal
BOARD OF DEACONS Board of Deacons meet the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Co-Moderator: Holly Distefano Co-Moderator: Kristina Scoglio Secretary: Holly Distefano/Kristina Scoglio
Treasurer: Gail Stein
Class 2019
Jonathan Fernandez
Stephen Hoffsommer
Laura Knecht (Youth)
Carey Kotake
Robyn Smith
Gail Stein
Howard Stein
Tom Yakowenko
Class 2020
Holly Distefano
Lisa Lussier
Beverly Mahon
Matt Pajow
Lindy Rutter
June Young
Class 2021
Heather Koball
Sandra Ellen Laluw
Conny Mandagi
Kristina Scoglio
Norma Tambingon
Don Wallace
A Commission is a body provided for by the Unicameral Board of the Church to oversee a particular part of the Church’s life & ministry. Each Commission has the authority to carry out the goals established by the Unicameral Board, and regularly reports its decisions and actions to that Board.
Christian Education Commission Chair: Jennifer Thompson
• Sunday School and Confirmation Class, Adult Education, VBS, Puppet Ministry, Triennium, Young PW, Library and Community Nursery School.
Congregational Life Commission Chair: Bill Jeney
• Membership, Events & Fellowship, Church Directory, Communications, Health & Well-ness and Presbyterian Women.
Finance Commission Kevin Trolaro — Pres. Brd. of Trustees Roland Staal—VP & Secretary
• Buildings & Grounds, Insurance, Investments & Endowment, and Technology.
Mission & Outreach Commission Chair: David Kozo
• Food Pantry, Local Mission, Benevolent Grants, International Peace and Social Justice.
Personnel Commission Chair: Brenda Redshaw
• Performance Review, Staff Support.
Stewardship Commission Chair: Scott Walters
• On-going interpretation and development of our stewardship program, and Fundraising Task Force.
• Worship, Arts, and Community Life Commission Chair: Sandy Slobodien
• Community Dinner, Indonesian Fellowship, Sanctuary & Sacraments, and Music & Arts.
Youth Commission
Chair: Christine Young
• Youth Fellowship, Mission Trip, 30-Hr Famine,
Scouts, and Young Adults.
COMMISSIONS Commissions meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen 270 Woodbridge Avenue P.O. Box 385 Metuchen, NJ 08840
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE PAID
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ
PERMIT 746
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TO:
The information contained herein is for Church use only. Individuals using this information must receive permission of the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen, NJ.
First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
To be an inclusive, connected, and loving community mobilized to serve Jesus Christ.
We are a welcoming and diverse congregation that serves God by improving the spiritual, mental and
physical well-being of people in our community and beyond through worship, education, fellowship,
music, and mission outreach.
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Parish News Submission
To submit an article for the Parish News, email Vicky at:
[email protected] or see us at the church office.
Deadline for submission is the 15th of the month.
Church Office
270 Woodbridge Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840
Office Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 am
Communion every 1st Sunday of the month
